Shreyas Iyer made a memorable Test debut against New Zealand in the home series last month.
Iyer got a chance to debut in the longest format after KL Rahul was ruled out of the series due to injury and he took full advantage of the opportunity, hitting 105 and 65 to become the 16th Indian batter to score a hundred on his Test debut.
Thanks to his exploits in the home series, Iyer has been picked for the South Africa Test tour, where he will be competing for a middle-order spot with Ajinkya Rahane and Hanuma Vihari.
In an exclusive chat with The Indian Express, Shreyas Iyer reflected on his debut performance, saying it was his ultimate dream to play Test cricket for India.
“Test cricket is the ultimate dream of any professional cricketer. True to its name, it tests your technical, mental and physical strength. I have always wanted to play Test cricket for India and I knew my time would come. Since my early days, I have never put pressure on myself. I think it affects your temperament on and off the field. All I always like to do and did at that time is focus on my skills so that whenever I get the opportunity, I am ready for it,” he said.
Shreyas had to wait 54 first-class games before making his Test debut. Before that, the right-hander had played 22 ODIs and 32 T20Is for the country and also led a team in the IPL.
When asked if he ever felt he had achieved plenty even without getting that Test cap, Iyer replied: “No, not at all. I am humbled by what I have been rewarded with but it doesn’t mean that I don’t strive to stretch to the next level. As I said, when I know I’m doing what I love, every opportunity, landmark or incentive becomes a bye-product. Yes, it does make you happy but it doesn’t make you content. As a person, I don’t believe in being satisfied with my efforts or achievements, there’s always an extra mile in you.”
Shreyas Iyer hadn’t featured in a First-Class match for almost three years when he made his Test debut.
Talking about his focus in training to get into the routine of the traditional format, the Mumbai batter said: “I have had considerable experience in the Ranji Trophy circuit where I have developed certain processes around my technique. So, I didn’t try to over-complicate things. I just focused on the processes and mindset that have worked for me in the past.”
Iyer might have played only three first-class games outside India but he is ready for the South Africa challenge in the forthcoming three-Test series, slated to get underway on December 26 in Centurion.
“Each country offers something different. The conditions, pitches and grounds make the whole experience unique. As professional cricketers, we have to adapt and enjoy the challenges to be successful as an individual and a team. In South Africa, you find much harder and greener pitches as compared to India, which is intriguing for any batter’s technique and temperament and it’s exciting to compete there,” he stated.
“The pace and bounce of the wickets in South Africa warrant quick reflexes. For me, the focus is on my footwork and movement at the crease so that I am in line and hold a good position to meet the ball or leave with conviction,” Iyer further remarked.
(Inputs from The Indian Express)